Whether you love it or hate it, CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA has become one of the most talked about shows of 2018. Inspired by the 2014 Archie Comics of the same name, the series focuses on 16-year-old Sabrina Spellman and her life as a half mortal/half witch. For the show’s release, Shannon had the chance to speak with actress Annette Reilly about her role as Sabrina’s mom, Diana Spellman. During their chat, they discussed everything from the dark tones of the show to the importance of Diana Spellman.

Nightmarish Conjurings: For those who may not be familiar with your character Diana Spellman, can you tell us a little bit about her and how she relates to the CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA?

Annette Reilly: Diana Spellman is Sabrina’s mortal mother. Sabrina was told that her parents died in a plane crash when she was very young, however Diana continues to come to her in visions.

Nightmarish Conjurings: What attracted you to the role of Diana Spellman? Were you a fan of SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH and/or the comics in which the show is based off of?

AR: Of course I watched SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH! It was a lot of fun.

When I auditioned for the role of Diana, I didn’t really know what I was auditioning for. There was some secrecy around it, so I wasn’t really sure what character I was until the schedules came out for the first week of shooting. I immediately bought the comic book that the series is based off of to get a glimpse of Diana’s character. When reading the comic, I was taken by Diana’s fierce protection of Sabrina and her willingness to sacrifice herself for her daughter. As a mother, I could relate which has made bringing this character to life even more special.

Nightmarish Conjurings: What do you think people will find the most surprising about your character and this new iteration of Sabrina?

AR: I think people will find it surprising when Sabrina and Diana first reunite. Without saying too much, I think it’s unexpected that Sabrina finds Diana where she is and the state that she’s in.

So many people were thinking that CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA is a spin off from the 90s sitcom. It SO isn’t. I do feel that will be a surprise to a lot of people. That and the horror influences. I hope people are ready to be scared! Haha.

Nightmarish Conjurings: We only get glimpses of your character throughout the first season, but even those glimpses left quite an impact. Do you think we will see more of Diana Spellman in future seasons?

AR: You know I can’t say anything about future seasons… hahaha. I think her journey will be as much of a surprise to you as it has been to me. And I certainly hope Diana’s journey continues to make an impact.

Nightmarish Conjurings: Last but not least, are you working on any upcoming projects that we should be keeping our eyes out for?

AR: You can find me in an episode of the new A&E series "Blue Book”. I’m also an independent filmmaker. You can catch my most recent short film “A Typical Fairytale” on Youtube or on the Storyhive website or Facebook page. It’s a film with an important message about love and acceptance that I produced, directed, and starred in. It has a bit of a mash up of Wes Anderson and Disney. Those were definitely my influences. And it’s all in rhyme! We’ll be starting our film festival circuit in January 2019!